Matthew Perry, best known for his role as the charmingly sarcastic Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom Friends, died at the age of 54 on October 28. According to the L.A. Times, the actor was found unresponsive in the hot tub of his Los Angeles home in an apparent drowning incident. Warner Bros. Television Group, who produced Friends, released a statement reacting to Perry’s death: “We are devastated by the passing of our dear friend Matthew Perry. Matthew was an incredibly gifted actor and an indelible part of the Warner Bros. Television Group family. The impact of his comedic genius was felt around the world, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of so many. This is a heartbreaking day, and we send our love to his family, his loved ones, and all of his devoted fans.†Following the news of his death, Perry’s peers took to social media to pay tribute to the late actor, lauding his comedic talent and bravery in sharing his struggles with addiction.
The main Friends group released a joint statement mourning the “unfathomable loss†of their castmate Perry. Other members of the Friends family have reacted to the news. Maggie Wheeler, who played Chandler’s on-again, off-again girlfriend Janice on Friends, posted a photo of them together on set, with the caption, “What a loss. The world will miss you Mathew Perry . The joy you brought to so many in your too short lifetime will live on.†Selma Blair, who guest-starred in one episode in 2002, wrote, “My oldest boy friend. All of us loved Matthew Perry, and I did especially. Every day. I loved him unconditionally. And he me. And I’m broken. Broken hearted. Sweet dreams Matty. Sweet dreams.†Director James Burrows, who helmed 15 episodes of Friends, including its pilot, simply said, “Nobody did it better.â€
Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau, who attended elementary school with Perry in Ottawa, posted, “Matthew Perry’s passing is shocking and saddening. I’ll never forget the schoolyard games we used to play, and I know people around the world are never going to forget the joy he brought them. Thanks for all the laughs, Matthew. You were loved — and you will be missed.†Below, find tributes of Perry from his co-stars, fans, and friends.
This post has been updated throughout with tributes.